Learners engage in Road Safety Dialogue in Maletswai

Story: Samkelo Fetile| Photo: Relebohile Mxhosana

The Walter Sisulu Local Municipality (WSLM) participated in the Road Safety Dialogue hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Transport (ECDoT) - Joe Gqabi at Limakatso Boutique Hotel in Maletswai. The dialogue created a vibrant platform for learners, government departments, and law enforcement agencies to exchange ideas on improving road safety within communities.

The event featured three participating schools namely, St James Senior Secondary School, Wongalethu Secondary School, and Ntlalo High School - whose learners delivered well-researched presentations before a panel of officials and an engaged audience. Each presentation was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing learners to express their views and share experiences from their communities.

The event brought together a range of stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE), the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), and representatives from the ECDoT in both Chris Hani District and the Free State Province. 

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there - and the most important aspect of logistics is planning; without it, nothing runs as smoothly as it should”, said Mayor Cllr Vania Davids as she encouraged learners to be confident and expressive, reminding them that their voices and ideas are vital in shaping safer, more responsible communities.

Khaya Simanga, Manager of Road Safety for Joe Gqabi District, emphasized that human error remains the major cause of road accidents. He called for personal accountability, saying, “We need to do some self-introspection and ask ourselves whether what we are doing is just and correct.”

Among the learner presenters, Oyama Mabetha, a Grade 11 learner from St James Senior Secondary School, raised concerns about road safety near schools and proposed that law enforcement visibility be enhanced around learning institutions. He thanked the authorities for hosting the event, saying it had deepened his understanding of road safety issues.

Sinovuyo Ngqongonya, a grade 11 learner from Ntlalo High School, highlighted the power of social media in promoting safer behaviour among young peers and communities. “I am taking home everything I’ve learned today and will share the information with others,” she said.

The Road Safety Dialogue proved to be an impactful platform for youth engagement, awareness, and collaboration - bringing together learners and stakeholders under one roof to strengthen road safety education within WSLM and the broader Joe Gqabi District.